|
I did a belly flop for the first time in probably 14 years a few weeks ago. When it came time to face the music, there was some hesitancy, mixed with a whole lot of excitement.
I backed up to the edge of a patio surronding a pool, took a running leap – and all 5 feet, 11 inches of me surrendered to gravity, Stretch Armstong-style into a refreshing splash.
In the end, it was a whole lot of fun, but it came with a few minor pains. The sting of breaking the surface, and the realization of why most 24 year olds don’t belly flop anymore – I think this is probably the same reason why we don’t slip n’ slide all that much either – you’re sore the next day. A sore that didn’t exist when we were 6 and care free.
What the heck am I getting at, and why have I been wide awake since 2:30 a.m.?
Let’s go back to breaking the surface – I’ve noticed in past postings from some of you concerns of the unknown, whether it be where we are going, how people will react to the news that we are going, and how are we going to get there?
I am spot on with the later two.
Before I go any further I would like to thank Tangi (and it’s her I blame for the fact that I’m typing this at 4:14 in the morning ;)). For those of you who haven’t had the pleasure of conversing with her, she is part of the AIM team, and a recent Race alum. She is challenging me to a belly flop contest this week.
These weren’t her exact words – but it sure is how I feel. I am really struggling with ‘letting go and letting God’ in a major area of my life.
Long story short – I am afraid if I tell my job my plans for the Race, I will lose it prematurely. I have kept news of the Race quiet, except for friends, family and church. This makes fundraising pretty diffucult.
Tangi challenged me to spend the week in prayer and simply listening to God, and His plan for revealing this to my bosses. *coughday1andI’vebeenupmostofthenightpowwowingwithGodcough*
So, this is weighing heavily on me – but I feel like the first step is sharing this struggle with you, my family.
I have been praying for all of you – for the struggles you are facing, whether they are relational, health-related, financial, doubt – any of these terrible things the enemy tries to throw in our way. I want to encourage you to put on your armour, and keep to the narrow. For we know that if He is for us, who is against us?
The reassuring part about belly flopping for Jesus is that even though we may not know how we will land, or how bad it will hurt – we know we will land in a pool of grace, mercy and unfailing love.
|
